Abu Dhabi Team Sets New World Record in Pavia–Venice Powerboat Race
VENICE, 4th June, 2025 — The Abu Dhabi Team for Powerboat Racing has celebrated a historic milestone in marine sports as veteran Italian driver Guido Cappellini shattered the world record during the prestigious Pavia–Venice race — recognised as the longest river powerboat race in the world.
The race commenced in Pavia, a city in northern Italy, and followed the winding course of the Po River — the country’s longest river — culminating in the iconic city of Venice. The entire course spanned a demanding 415 kilometres.
Cappellini completed the high-stakes race in an extraordinary time of 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 54 seconds, achieving an average speed of 207.26 km/h. This performance not only demonstrated his ongoing dominance in the sport but also eclipsed the previous record of 203.34 km/h set in 2005 by Italian racer Dino Zantelli.
This latest feat adds to Cappellini’s illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of the most distinguished powerboat racers in the sport’s history. Since joining the Abu Dhabi Team, he has guided them to numerous world titles, consistently pushing the boundaries of performance.
The Pavia–Venice race is among the oldest and most prestigious powerboat events in Europe, known for its challenging route filled with sharp turns, strong currents, and narrow passages that test a pilot’s navigation and control skills to the limit.
This achievement not only highlights the team’s prowess but also represents a significant boost to the UAE’s legacy of excellence in international sporting arenas. It reflects the Abu Dhabi Team’s unwavering commitment to raising the nation’s profile at the highest levels of global competition.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
